Jeeps sales dip across the line for February and 2007 Wranglers to be built in new Toledo assembly plant

(from a DaimlerChysler press release)

Jeep(R) brand sales declined by 8 percent, but showed signs of acceleration as February sales improved 30 percent to 35,756 units over January in advance of the spring selling season. January 2005 sales were 27,465 units. Deliveries of the all-new Grand Cherokee, which recently received the government's highest ratings for frontal and side impact protection, have arrived at dealers and sales are accelerating compared to January 2005 sales, rising 22 percent to 15,531 units.

Jeep Liberty sales declined slightly by 3 percent when compared to last year, but posted sales of 15,027 units, a 37 percent improvement compared to January 2005 results. Jeep Wrangler posted sales of 5,198 units, a 39 percent improvement over January 2005 sales of 3,743 units.

2007 Wranglers - two-door and four-door to be produced starting July 24, 2006

The Toledo Blade has the details...

The $900-million, multi-factory Toledo Jeep Assembly plant under construction will start building the redesigned Jeep Wrangler and a four-door version of the famed sport-utility vehicle within five weeks of each other next year, but DaimlerChrysler AG hasn't decided which will come first.

That according to the United Auto Workers Local 12, which represents Toledo Jeep workers.

Four-year-old Toledo North Assembly Plant's tentatively plans to add a third shift in April, 2007, although that timing has not been finalized. An April third-shift addition would be after production of the Dodge Nitro begins in August, 2006, and before a redesigned Jeep Liberty makes its debut in August, 2007, according to an article by Local 12 in the latest issue of the Toledo Union Journal.

The Jeep Parkway and Stickney Avenue factories are scheduled to stop making Jeep Wranglers on July 21, 2006, and the new plant will start building the new models - in either the two-door or four-door version - three days later, the union said. Production of the other version is scheduled to follow on Aug. 28, 2006, it said, and a second shift will be added in September at the plant. The new plant, consisting of three new factories, will be partly owned and operated by outside suppliers.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: WTJ

I decided to actually look at the new Grand Cherokee for the first time today. I admit they do look a lot better in person than in any photo. After realizing that it is, indeed, an O.K. vehicle overall, my attention then turned to a series of Dodge Magnum wagons in line next to the Grand Cherokees. In as much as these are two different vehicles, they share several mechanical similarities, so I could not resist the desire to compare. Since many Chrysler dealers also sell Dodges and Jeeps, I am sure many consumers cross-shop different vehicle brands on the lot. As I already have a trail-ready TJ, a more practical, daily on-road driver is in order. I briefly considered taking ownership of a WK, but I won’t go off-road in it, so there is no reason to buy such a vehicle. Not including off-road prowess (of which I don’t think the WK has much, anyway) the Magnum has a larger cargo capacity, handles better, is faster with the same Hemi engine, brakes better, consumes less fuel, features available Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive, will easily tow my 3, 500-pound trailer, and is stunningly fresh and original in appearance. In my opinion, the decrease in Jeep sales altogether is due to rising gas prices, and the fact that consumers are finally getting smarter and realizing they don’t need an SUV unless they frequently tow heavy trailers and/or venture off-pavement.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: jeeprt

The only reason GC sales look a bit better this month is because they are already giving them away( Huge discounts ) The problem sure as hell is not with the dealers, it's the product that's the problem. The exterior styling is an abomination and the interior has taken a giant leap backwards in the quality of materials. I guess they must of been using the chevy blazer as their benchmark. God forbid the morons would have styled it like the beautiful Commander concept. If they only sold one last month, it is one more than they deserved to sell. Maybe they should rename it Jeep Grand Aztek. And yes, I am pissed.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Leni

One reason numbers might be down, is that they're just not delivering orders quickly. My dealer couldn't find the mixture of color & options I wanted, so we ordered a new Wrangler on Dec 26th (yes, the dealer was open on Sunday). I still don't have the new vehicle over two months later.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: jason

Changing the name of the wrangler would not be in dcx's best interest "brand reconition"

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOneJeep

Listen up DCX Design Team: If the TJ Wrangler's refreshening or next incarnation is along the lines of '02 Liberty or '05 Grand Cherokee......don't even release those spy photos....it's not worth another thread on this site. Please realize how imperative it is to do this right! An American Icon deserves NO LESS!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Mike

The CJ-2A was not named anything...

I have heard then name 'Liberator' kicked around for the 4Dr Wrangler.

THe V-6 Hemi based engine sounds good to me, how about a Hybrid, or Diesel Hybrid.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: WTJ

Jason,

Will the upcoming four-door Wrangler actually be called “Wrangler”? Or, will it be given a new, different name?

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: WTJ

Were it not for the Hemi engine and Quadra-drive II four-wheel-drive system, along with the media perpetuated myth of “Mercedes influence” regarding supposed quality improvement, this dud would sell in even fewer numbers. The monocoque, jacked-up station wagon, known as the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, features no significant advancements over what the competition already offers. It is still cramped, tacky, and looks extremely bland. For those reasons, why should we expect it to sell well with respect to the competition?

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: jeepers

well I can say that from the dealership I work at.. There hasn't been too many grands sold...And we have had them on lot for months now.. Were people are saying dealers didn't have them?We had them back in december.. plenty of them. In fact we still have those same jeeps on our lot.. What is selling more I have noticed in the past month is the liberty... It's funny.. See I work in the service side of things.. But a cust who was buying a Liberty... said they wanted the tried and true 4wheel drive system.. Not some piece of crap electronic 4 wheel drive system.. Grant it he said you can get the four low option on the higher end grand.. But why pay that much money just to get four low.... I thought it to be intersting... That might be one reason the grand isn't selling soo good.. the other is the fact that for the money they want for them...customers are saying they would rather go to an exploder and get third row seating...The new commander comming out... that is suppose to start at $40,000... I hope jeep knows what they are doing!!!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOneJeep

It's quite ironic you would say that. I was always surprised to see how the '02 Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada and then Rainier after it compared closely in size and eerily in styling after the original ZJ '93-'99. GM sure did its' homework doing the GM300 platform mates. What a ripoff...shows how forward that old ZJ styling was back in '93. It took GM almost 10 yrs. to copy it.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: WTJ

I think DaimlerChrysler knows pretty well that if they fail to properly redesign the “real” Jeep in such a manner as to excite and fully please the purists (and prospective buyers), a violent riot may occur on the footsteps of Chrysler’s Auburn Hills Headquarters. The Jeep Wrangler is much like the Porsche 911 in that it is the purest expression of what the brand represents. Like how the Cayenne may not be considered a “real” Porsche and the Liberty a “real” Jeep, the 911 and Wrangler embody everything that is genuinely good about their respective marques—they are the real deal, not phony imposters.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Nope

The photo on Autoblog.com is a fake... it's a photoshopped version of a Rescue press photo that's been circulating around for the better part of a year (although this is the first time I've seen it in that colour blue).

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Joe

"An American Icon deserves NO LESS!".....that's the whole damn problem....the Germans are calling the shots.......

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Joe

" Personally, I don't think the Grand Cherokee sales are doing bad considering many people won't touch a first model year of any vehicle. ".....no good first year runs???? Hummer H2, Corvette C5, 1993 Grand Cherokee,F-150, ETC ETC. I'm sure the execs at Jeep are trying to make the same comforting excuses for their pathetic sales numbers.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: comment

check out autoblog.com for what could be a new pic of the new wrangler

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: comment

check out autoblog.com for what could be a new pic of the new wrangler

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: XJCollegegirl

Ok, so no spy shots...how about a computer rendering? That might satisfy some of my curiosity. Any new shots out for the Commander? I am really curious to see how they screw this one up.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: jason

How can there be spy photos when the prototypes are not built yet???????????????????????? The prototypes will be built first quarter next year with the production in late july. By the design of the latest concepts I would guess the SFA will stay. I know a diesel and a v6 hemi are in the works for the 2007 wrangler...I would also say that the 4 door wrangler will resemble atsmall Jeep rescue concept and be somewhat competitive to the hummer h3...although the h3 is dreesed up more like a grand cherokee??? Should be interesting...

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Tools

thats deep

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: MJ

can anyone shed more light on the redesigned Wrangler???

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Sean M.

Ok, a wrangler redesign and a 4 door model in coming real soon... NICE! Let's hope that don't mess with a good thing too much. If you want a Wrangler as they are today guess you better pony up soon, or buy a used one. I'm stoked about the re-design, as long as they don't ruin it... So where are the spy photos?

IMHO, even though the new Grand pretty nice looking it is run of the mill and looks like any other import SUV now, they lost the classic Jeep look with the redesign. Contrary to popular DC thought process, a 7 slot grill does not make a Jeep a Jeep!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Eddo

No one mentioned there is much greater competition than a 11 years ago. What about the rising gas price and the scare they will go even higher? What about the SUV trend is starting to die in favor of wagons and crossovers.

Would be nice to look at sales numbers for other SUVs. Look at both the small, fuel efficient car based SUVs (RAV4, V, etc) and the larger heavier less fuel efficient SUVs(4Runner, Tahoe, etc). Once you have those number then maybe you can do a little more than just list your speculative ideas.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: rich

Who gives a flyin' f--k about the GC whatever....they're going to actually make a 4 door Wranglerin our lifetime!!!!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: John E

I know this is a relatively old subject, but two thoughts: 1. The number of hours required to build a vehicle is down by almost 50%, making vehicles MUCH less costly to produce(not to mention so much production done in Mexico for $.90/hour. Yet new vehicle prices have doubled inflation rates since 1980. Meanwhile, wages have not kept up with inflation for the same period, which equals less new sales relative to population growth. Coupled with gas prices, the future of niche vehicles(like ALL Jeeps) be they IFS or not is troubling at best. 2. The only way the Wrangler can survive much longer is to reach out to new buyers. It should have a solid front axle, if Jeep wants to retain buyers, but DaimlerBenz(there ain't Chrysler anymore) doesn't care a whit about you, the Jeep buyer, they want the Toyota/Honda/Nissan buyer.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Real Jeeper

Everyone's dancing around the "elephant in the livingroom" regarding the TJ's replacement. The REAL question is: Will it or won't it have IFS?

If it DOES, look for a mass exodus of loyal Jeep fanatics. No proper Jeep has an independent front suspension, period. The "cute ute" Liberty is a "chickmobile" fiasco, the new Grand is just a station wagon, a real POS and the Commander appears to be more of the same. "Whoopie, 7 seats!" Who the hell asked for this? If DC monitors this site, I own 3 Jeeps right now, all bought new. Put IFS under the new Wrangler & variants and I'll nevre buy another one.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: jason

It seem that everyone is sudenly wanting better fuel economy???? I would not be surprised if the grand cherokee recieves a diesel engine. The jeep liberty diesel is sold out!!!!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: OnlyOneJeep

WTJ is right on that point. I mean, as much as a Jeep lover I am.....I would prefer to keep my '93 ZJ and '95 YJ in top running condition than to buy a new TJ or GC...In the market now for an '99-'01 XJ. At least the styling is more "Jeep" than what DCX is putting out now. The new breed of Jeeps just don't got 'dem chops.....(And the pile of $$$$ I'll save) to put towards mods. It doesn't take a "Real" Jeeper to figure that much out. When DCX finally sees that they've alienated the core of Jeep Owners who would rather keep the oldies goin'...well it might be too late then. So be it. Take 'er out in style.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Transpower

Quadra-Drive II is a major advance, as is the MDS Hemi. The IFS makes the new JCG ride and steer on pavement much better than the previous model. Hiding the spare is much better than showing it in the cargo compartment. The two-tone interior is nice on the Limited; agreed that the interior of the Laredo is awful. I'm just waiting for DHS before purchase. Prices are 6K below list, probably because of the rise in gasoline prices. So, I say keep raising the gasoline prices up until I get mine, then reduce them drastically!

As for style, I like the interior of the new Limited better than that in previous years. But I admit I like the 1998 (not the 1999) exterior better. Even so, it's better to have 5 stars safety rating, instead of 3.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

"The only reason GC sales look a bit better this month is because they are already giving them away( Huge discounts )"

where can I get one that they are giving away!

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: atomic dog

jepert u are an idiot the new grand looks awesome, far superior to the old model

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Name

By the logic of the people slamming the GC, the Wrangler ought to be selling like gangbusters since it is essentially unchanged. Yet its sales are down 25%. Maybe Diamler should adopt your logic and cancel any further production of the Wrangler.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: RUBICONTRAIL.NET

"that damn silly piece of plastic that destroys the GC's approach angle" is removable by simply turning four fastners. If you get the off-road package there is even a small steel "skid plate" that protects the bottom of the radiator. Personally, I don't think the Grand Cherokee sales are doing bad considering many people won't touch a first model year of any vehicle. Also sales may vary be location. Sales here in the Phoenix area are quite high. Of course, many of them I have seen have been in Scottsdale where money is no object. The numbers point to the Wrangler taking the biggest hit compared to last year.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Joe

The man two above has got it right. The 2005 Grand Cherokee, on its first year run, can't even match the sales numbers of the 11 year old model. Right now, the Jeep engineers are undoubtedly scratching their heads wondering how they managed to downgrade the Grand Cherokee so vividly. And, I'm sure if you asked one of 'em they might even tell you they had to adhere to certain standards set forth by the German leadership above their heads. This likely included things like ground clearance, electronic shift, IFS, and that damn silly piece of plastic that destroys the GC's approach angle (lawsuits / people sueing for getting hit by truck that was too high / trial lawyers can get away with nearly any lawsuit / "don't fight em', wimp out to em' so they can concentrate on something else like taking away our freedom to choose our food). Either way, the thing is a piece and will continue to sell like a piece. However, on the bright side, a used '04 Grand Cherokee has never looked better.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: comment

the grands numbers should continue to improve considering the lack of inventory the dealers had until the end of 04. dc was so inept in getting the inventory to the dealers and waiting until dec/jan/feb for any kind of decent incentives that would have competed with gm/ford/etc. they should take this into consideration,it's not the vehicle or the dealers that are to blame for these lack luster numbers. the numbers should improve in the 1st & 2nd quarters.

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Anonymous

Posted: 1969/12/31 19:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 19:00

Originally posted by: Jon

Everbody rips on the Liberty but it's sales numbers don't look to bad compared to the Wrangler and Grand. Just an observation.